Penampang: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) said barter trade will be launched in the first week of January at the Inobong Tamu ground where it used to be carried out in the past. He said this when opening the Moyog Magic Christmas Carnival organised by the Moyog Assemblyman's Office and Pacos at the tamu ground Saturday evening.

Pledging full support for all activities organised by elected representatives, he said he looks forward to invitations to all Christmas open houses.

"It is important for us to show the country that we can get together and respect one another despite all the differences, unlike in some other countries."

Later, Moyog Assemblywoman Jenifer Lasimbang said she has approved an allocation to improve the facilities at the tamu ground and has contacted the architect for a better design compared to the existing stalls which are too hot during the day, which is not good for fresh agricultural products.

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"Reviving the popularity of this tamu will also help ease the congestion at the nearby Donggongon Tamu," she said.

Also present were Penampang MP Darrel Leiking, Rev Archbishop John Wong, District Officer Robert Stidi and other Parti Warisan Sabah leaders.

While the Moyog Christmas Carnival continued for the whole day on Sunday, Jenifer's elder sister and Kapayan Assemblywoman Janie Lasimbang opened a Sporting Carnival at the Penampang Sports Complex in the morning.

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In her speech, she said the purpose is to promote unity and goodwill among the youths of her constituency and to encourage them to participate in sports for both mental and physical health while instilling a sense of cooperation.

She said the participants are mostly from the villages in her constituency and hoped more youths will join future events.

Afterwards, Janie participated in a Zumba exercise and officially started several games, including table- tennis, basketball and volleyball.

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Other games played simultaneously were nine-a-side football, tug-of-war competition and basketball gymrama by primary schools, with the total participants numbering about 500. - Oswald Supi